Minor storm produces some major headaches

WEST CHESTER – A storm that had people scratching their heads Monday morning and that was supposed to be in and out has hung around a little longer than expected.

The infamous “wintry mix” began early Monday morning and while some schools initially declared a two-hour delay many flipped to closing for the day. Avon Grove, Kennett, Unionville and Oxford schools canceled after initially issuing a 2-hour delay. Twin Valley and Octorara also were closed.

Some of the schools starting on time included West Chester, Coatesville, Downingtown, Great Valley and Tredyffrin-Easttown.

Daily Local News Facebook page followers chimed in on the early-morning chaos and choice of closing versus delays:

Jocelyn Edwards: Downingtown went on time. Don’t think it was a smart call ... considering the ice is just starting now.

Amy Anderson Fasbinder: Great Valley had no delay or closing. Not sure what they’re thinking. Seems like it might be tough to get them home safely later????

Priscilla Jackson: I’m looking outside (West Chester) and snow has stopped and the roads are clear.

Sharon Link: It’s still below freezing at my house, and dismissal is in a half an hour. Fingers crossed.

Annemarie Hewitt: Close all schools, it is just going to worse later on. Think of our children please. Plus think of the parents or grandparents, sorry about the kids. Please

Jennifer Link Russell: Just slid home after dropping off in Downingtown.

Later on Monday, the National Weather Service extended the winter weather advisory that went out earlier in the day.

The National Weather Service extended its winter weather advisory through 4 p.m. Monday as the possibility for freezing rain continued. The weather service warned that even in areas only seeing rainfall, roads that were untreated or elevated can became slick as temperatures hovered in the mid-30s this afternoon.

And if the strange weather hasn’t been strange enough, get ready. Tuesday’s skies will see fog in the morning and mostly cloudy skies with a high near 50. And Wednesday? Break out the shorts as the temperatures will push past 60 with a chance of a strong afternoon or early-evening thunderstorms. Yes, thunderstorms.

Friday may bring a flurry or two but at least temperatures will be around the mid-30s, which is more seasonable.

The Monday afternoon icy mess had local police and emergency crews busy as there seemed to be no shortage of fender-bender crashes in the region.

A police car was damaged Monday afternoon after a collision of Route 82 in Valley Township. The officer was unhurt in the accident and it appeared the vehicle suffered only minor damage.